7 Ways Honey Is Good For You

Since ancient times, honey has been used as both food and medicine. It’s very high in helpful plant substances and offers numerous health benefits. Honey is exceptionally healthy when used instead of refined sugar, which contributes to various medical conditions like diabetes and obesity.

Below are 7 ways that honey is good for you:

1. Healthy Sweetener Option

Honey is a delicious, much healthier alternative to sugar. Make sure to choose a top-quality brand because makers might mix some lower-quality ones with syrup. You must only consume honey in moderation because although it is a healthier alternative to refines sugar, it still contains lots of calories.

The benefits of honey are most evident when used as an alternative to unhealthy sweeteners. Honey is is the lesser evil when compared to refined sugar and high-fructose corn syrup.

2. Helps Suppress Coughs

Coughing is a typical issue for kids with upper respiratory infections. These infections can affect the sleep patterns of children and parents alike. Mainstream medications for cough are not always efficient and can have side effects. Remarkably, honey may be a better option, and evidence shows it is efficient.

One study found that honey worked much better than two common cough medications. Another research study found that it lowered cough symptoms and improved sleep more than cough medication. You should never give honey to kids under one year of age due to the threat of botulism.

3. Promotes Injury Recovery

Ancient Egyptians use honey as a topical treatment to heal wounds and burns, and is still typically used today. A review of 26 research studies on honey and injury care found honey most effective at healing low-severity burns and wounds. Honey is likewise an efficient treatment for diabetic foot ulcers, which if not treated can lead to amputation.

Scientists think that honey’s recovery powers come from its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial results in addition to its ability to nourish surrounding tissue. What’s more, it can help deal with other skin problems including psoriasis.

4. Reduces Triglycerides

Elevated levels of triglycerides in your blood is a risk factor of heart disease. It’s also linked to insulin resistance, a significant driver of type-2 diabetes. Triglyceride levels increase on a diet plan high in sugar and refined carbohydrates.

Multiple studies have continuously connected regular honey consumption with lower triglyceride levels, mainly when it is utilized to replace sugar. For instance, one research study comparing honey and sugar found 11% to 19% lower triglyceride levels in the honey group.

5. Helps Improve Cholesterol

High LDL cholesterol levels are a vital risk factor of heart disease. This type of cholesterol plays a significant role in atherosclerosis, the fatty accumulation in your arteries that can cause cardiovascular diseases and strokes. Remarkably, several studies reveal that honey might help improve your cholesterol levels.

Honey reduces the LDL (bad) cholesterol while considerably raising HDL (good) cholesterol. One study compared test subjects who used honey to test subjects who used refined sugar and discovered that honey triggered a 5.8% reduction in LDL and a 3.3% boost in HDL cholesterol. It also resulted in a modest weight reduction.

6. Helps Manage Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is an essential risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and honey might help manage it. Honey contains antioxidant compounds that have been linked to lower blood pressure. Research studies have shown modest reductions in blood pressure from consuming honey.

Simply replace refined sugars in your diet with honey and the effect to your blood pressure will be evident soon enough.

7. Rich in Antioxidants

High-quality honey has many crucial antioxidants. These include natural acids and phenolic compounds like flavonoids. Researchers think that the mix of these substances provides honey its antioxidant power.

Surprisingly, two studies have revealed that buckwheat honey increases the antioxidant value of your blood. Antioxidants have been linked to decreased risk of cardiac arrest, strokes, and some types of cancer. They may also promote eye health.